Parking options, shuttle available for tonight's Falcons practice at City Park

GAINESVILLE -- Gainesville residents are used to big crowds around City Park on fall Friday nights, but this Friday could be something different indeed.

With the Atlanta Falcons set to practice for the public with their "Friday Night Lights" session at City Park's Bobby Gruhn Field -- gates will open at 6 p.m. -- the city and Gainesville City School System are taking extra steps to allow for fan parking.

The parking lots adjacent to Bobby Gruhn Field are being reserved for the Falcons and sponsors, while Gainesville's First Baptist Church, located on Green Street, has offered their parking spaces to the public. Parking will also be available on the area streets surrounding the stadium.

Meanwhile, Gainesville High School will offer a shuttle to the stadium from the front of Gainesville High, beginning at 5 p.m. and running until 11 p.m.

"Friday Night Lights” is open to the public and admission is free. This grass roots event includes a fan fest with interactive inflatable games, a post event autograph session and a spectacular fireworks show.

The Falcons have traveled from their Flowery Branch facility during training camp to conduct “Friday Night Lights” scrimmages at Peachtree Ridge High School in 2012, Norcross High School in 2011, North Gwinnett High School in 2010, Brookwood High School in 2009 and Mill Creek High School in 2008. Each of the previous five scrimmages have been played in front of capacity crowds.